Fluid dispensing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A device in which a disc member rotating at high speed expels a fluid or processing solution which is directed into a vortex generated by the disc member. The vortex causes the solution to be spread uniformly over a relatively wide area. With this manner of operation, the device is capable of operating with very small quantities of processing solutions. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of such dispensing devices can be arranged in a serial relationship so as to process or treat a moving strip of material in a continuous manner by subjecting the material successively to different types of processing solutions.

[54 FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS [72] Inventors: -Harold E. Peiffer; Ralph A. Kohl, both of Rochester, NY.

[73] Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester,

[151 3,668,996 1 June 13, 1972 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,156,133 /1963 Primary Examiner-Samuel s. Matthews Assistant Examiner-Richard L. Moses Attomey-W. H. .l. Kline, Paul R. Holmes and Lloyd F.

[22] Filed: Oct. 15, 1970 Seebach [21] Appl. No.: 80,856 [57] ABSTRACT A device in which a disc member rotating at high speed expels [52] US. Cl. ..95/89 R, 121384722156, a fluid or processing Solution which is directed into a vonex 51 I t Cl (503d 5/04 generated by the disc member. The vortex causes the solution d 239/216 to be spread uniformly over a relatively wide area. With this 1 0 are 18 B23 manner of operation, the device is capable of operating with very small quantities of processing solutions. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of such dispensing [56] References Cited devices can be arranged in a serial relationship so as to process UNITED STATES PATENTS or treat a moving strip of material in a continuous manner by subyectmg the matenal successively to different types of 3,301,159 1/1967 Current ..134/187 X processing solutions 3,220,707 1 l/196S Weatherston et a1. ..239/216 X 2,989,91 l 6/1961 Winnek ..95/89 R 12 Claims, 3 Drawing Figures 1 i 3' I I 1 I4 /a l7 l2 I f l8 I6 36 i f x f /9 2ai i V \A K R 32 1 4/ 42 Q 43 P Timer P P P Control 44 45 46 Dave/0p. Fixing Solution Solution Germany ..l18/325 FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS F IEI..D OF THE INVENTION DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART Equipment such as tank processors, sheet impingement or spray applicators, impeller applicators and rotating drum processors have been used for developing and/or otherwise processing photographic film. In tank processors, if there is poor agitation or recirculation of the processing solution due to improper control, a lack of uniformity in processing results. The sheet impingement type of applicator, as used in photographic film processing, produces more uniform results than tank processors but requires a complicated piping system for delivering the required amount of processing solution to the processing chamber. Further, such equipment has a greater initial cost and is expensive to maintain. Distribution of processing solutions by impellor impingement apparatus has some drawbacks but basicly has the advantage of being quite simple mechanically. Such a processor might comprise a rotating Archimedes screw with the diameter thereof positioned in the solution to be dispensed. With rotation of the screw the solution moves upward along the screw and is dispersed from a disc attached to the-larger'end of the screw as a narrow band of spray. If 'the device is rotated at a speed to provide a required spray concentration, cavitation will usually occur at the base of the screw, thereby providing a non-uniform flow of solution. Also, if the speed is too great the centrifugal force that is then developed will throw the solution off of and away from the screw before it reaches the impellor disc. Consequently, the limitation imposed on the speed of such a device limits the agitation level attainable as well as the width of usable processing area. It. is also necessary to have an adequate supply of solution with this type of equipment in order to maintain acontinuous flow of the processing solution moving up the screw. 7

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to provide a device for uniformly applying a fluid or processing solution to a surface of a material which is capable of operating at high speed and which produces uniform agitation of thefluid or processing solution over a widearea.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for uniformly applying a fluid or processing solution to a surface of a photographic film which combines the advantages of high agitation, rapid diffusion and a minimal amount of fluid or processing solution for processing or treating the film.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for uniformly applying a processing solution to a surface of a material which comprises a single rotating member for generating a vortex into which the processing solution is directed for uniform distribution relative to the surface of a material to be treated.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be ap parent to those skilled in the art by the description which follows when read in conjunction with the drawing.

The objects of the invention are attained by a device in which a disc member rotating at high speed expels a fluid or processing solution which is directed into the vortex generated by the disc member. The vortex causes the solution to be spread uniformly over a relatively wide area. With this manner of operation, the device is capable of operating with very small quantities of processing solutions. In another embodiment of the invention, a plurality of such dispensing devices can be arranged in a serial relationship so as to process or treat a moving strip of material in a continuous manner by subjecting the material successively to different types of processing solutions.

Specifically, the device comprises a casing having a well into which a small amount of processing solution is metered. A cylindrical sleeve is mounted so its lower portion is contained within the well. A motor is mounted on the casing and .drives a disc arranged within the casing and having a tapered, tubular section which extends into the sleeve. I The material to be processed or treated is positioned on the wall of the casing and normal to the plane of the disc. As the disc is rotated, a thin film of solution rises along the inner surface of the section due to centrifugal force and moves through apertures in the section against the under surface of the disc. The disc expels the solution toward the surface to be processed or treated. Due to the rate of speed of the disc, a vortex is created between the rotating disc and the material. The expelled solution is dispersed by the surface and redirected into the vortex where it is still further dispersed and uniformly distributed over the entire surface of the material.

DESCRIPTION 0? THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a vertical sectional view of a photographic processing device embodying the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view showing schematically the manner in which the processing solution is distributed by the vortex generated by the rotating plate shown in FIG. 1; and I I FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view of another embodiment of the invention in which a moving strip of material is successively subjected to difierent processing solutions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The device, about to be described in detail, is disclosed for use in connection with the processing of a strip of photographic film. I-Iowever, the invention is applicable to the processing or treating of many types of materials in either sheet or strip form, wherein a surface of the material is to be treated by application thereto of a fluid or some type of processing solution. For example, the processing solution can be paint, a developer and/or fixing solution as. used for photographic film, water or any other liquid, or liquid containing a dispersion of fine particles, such as a xerographic toner.

The invention is described hereinafter with respect to the development of photographic film, and one skilled in the art will be aware of other uses to which the invention might be applied. With particular reference to FIG. 1, a cylindrical casing 10 contains the applicator or distribution means as well as the material to be processed or treated. In the case of processing photographic film, the casing 10, as well as other parts of the device, will be made of plastic, stainless steel or any similar material which is non-corrosive with respect to the alkaline solutions used in photographic film development. The casing 10 is provided with means for supporting the material being treated, namely, an arcuate track or holder 1 1 in which a strip of film 12 is positioned for processing within the casing. A cover 13 is provided which completely encloses the casing 10 and supports a motor 14 which has a shaft 15 extending into casing 10. The motor 14 therefore constitutes means for rotating an applicator 16 which is secured to shaft 15 in any suitable manner so as to be fastened to and rotatable therewith. The applicator 16 comprises a disc or plate 17 and a tapered, tubular section 18 which decreases in diameter from the junction with disc 17 to the end 19 thereof. At the junction of section 18 and disc 17, a plurality of holes 20 are provided having a purpose to be described hereinafter. It will be noted with respect to FIG. 2 that the track 11 which is undercut at 21 to receive and hold film 12 is positioned relative to disc 17 such that the upper edge of film 12, as viewed in FIG. 2, will be positioned generally in alignment with the under surface 22 of disc 17. The track lldoes not extend completely around casing 11 but is of such a length that a strip of film can be manually inserted and removed" when cover 13 and the parts associated therewith are removed from casing 10.

A reservoir or well 25 comprises means for receiving a quantity of the fluid or processing solution. The reservoir 25 is secured to the bottom of casing and is connected at 26 to a supply'line 27 through which a metered amount of processing solution 28 is deposited in reservoir 25. A drain connection 29 is provided in order to remove the processing solution after each processing step for the film- 12. A sleeve 30 is mounted on the bottom of reservoir 25 and has a cylindrical extension 31 withinwhich the major portion of section 18 is contained. With this arrangement, sleeve 30 serves as means to prevent cavitation of the solution. The bottom 32 of sleeve 30 is maintained in spaced relation to the bottom surface of reservoir 25 by feet 33 and a-hole 34 is provided to permit the processing solution 28 to enter the cavity formed by extension 31 for pickup by the section 18 as more fully described hereinafter. A conical shaped member 35 is arranged and mounted inside casing 10 such that'its outermost lip 36 is under the track 11 for receiving any run-off of the processing solution 28, see FIG; 2; and returning it to the reservoir 25.

With reference to FIG. 2, the motor 14 rotates the applicator 16, which comprises disc 17 and stem 18, at a relatively high speed of the order of about 2,000 to 10,000 RPM, the speed being dependent on the width of the area to be processed which, in turn, is dependent on the diameter of disc 17. With rotation at such speeds, the processing solution 28 within the extension 31 moves upward along the inner surface of section 18 toward holes 20. As the solution reaches the holes 20, the centrifugal force that is generated is such that the solution moves along the under surface 22 of disc 17 and is finally expelled against the film 12 due to the centrifugal force generated by disc 17. As a result of the speed at which applicator 16 is rotated, a vortex V is produced between the applicator I6 and film l2 and below the'surface 22 of disc 17. As the processing solution 28 strikes the film 12, it is dispersed and broken up and due to the force with which it strikes the film is impelled into the vortex V which also disperses the solution into more minute particles and redirects it toward'the film so that it isnow in the form of a very fine mist or spray which is directed to and distributed over the entire film area in a uniform manner, The processing solution 28 which runs or flows off of film 12 is caught by the member 35 and returned to reservoir 25. Upon completion of the development cycle the solution remaining in reservoir 25 is drawn ofi through the drain 29.

When a filmstrip is processed with the apparatus described hereinabove, the film 12 can be placed in the track 11 by hand or can be transported through a multiple chamber device such as that shown in FIG. 3. In the apparatus shown and described with respect to FIG. 1, the different processing solutions that are required to develop the film 12 can be successively intr'oduced into the reservoir 25 and then withdrawn before the next processing solution is introduced. The means by which the solution can be renewed or changed can be any conventional type of fluid handling equipment which is well known in this particular art.

With reference to FIG. 1, a timer control 40 can be a commercially available timer which will permit a number of time intervals to be preset therein for controlling metering pumps 41, 42, and 43 and drain pump 39 connected to drain connection 29. In connection with a photographic film development process, pump 41 meters development solution 44, pump 42 meters w'ater45 and pump 43 meters fixing solution 46. These solutions would be applied in a fixed order, namely, development solution, water, fixing solution and again water. After the application of each solution or after each application of water, pump 39 can be energized to remove the remaining or diluted solution. Timer control 40 can be reset to control the length of time the film is to be subjected to treatment by each solution.

With reference to FIG. 1, the casing 10 can be of such size as to accommodate a number of tracks 12 so that a number of different film sizes can be developed in the same casing. For example, a casing designed to process 70 mm film can also be used to process up to eight strands of 8 mm film which can be arranged in a helical path within casing 10 or even moved through a helical path continuously to process along strip of 8 mm film. Since the processing solutions can be renewed or interchanged without any problem, the processing device described herein can be used to process any commercial black and white or color film and either negative or reversal materials. By providing a casing of suitable design, black and white or color prints can be processed. Also, any commercial photographic processing solution can be used including some viscose or thixotropic solutions. The only limitation is that the fluid or processing solution used in the apparatus must 7 be capable of being dispensed at a proper exit velocity in order to obtain uniformity of distribution of thefiuid over the surface to be processed. The following is an example of some of the modifications in design possible to obtain optimum exit velocity. I

Process Area Disc, Exit Velocity Width Diameter RPM PPM 2" 5" 8,300 11,000 3%" l0" 4,150 1l,000 4%" l5" 3,100 11,000 5" 20" 11,000

' With respect to FIG. 3, a device is disclosed in which a strip of material is moved in a helical path from the top of the device to the bottom and successively subjected to different processing solutions. As an example, a photo-graphic film 51 is again used as the medium being processed. The film 51 can be introduced at the top of the first compartment 52 and moved in a helical path through this compartment in which it is subjected to a development solution, then into and through a compartment 53 in which it issubjected to' water and washed, then into and through a compartment (not shown) in which it is subjected to fixing solution, then into and through a compartment (not shown) in which it is again washedand finally into a compartment 54 in which the filmstrip is dried. The respective compartments can be separated by a partition I 55 and each partition will support an applicator device 56 in .connnected by a notched shaft, as shown at 57, or by any suitable coupling so that the applicators can be driven by a single motor 58 which is mounted relative to the lowermost compartment. The compartment'54 in which the film is dried is provided witha fan 59 which is also coupled to motor 58 and driven thereby. The partitions 55 which form the respective compartments are provided with suitable openings so the film 51 can move from one compartment to another. It has been found that any leakage of solution from one compartment to another is not of sufficient amount to require any special precautions for handling other than that disclosed in FIG. 1, that is, the use of a member, such as conical member 35, to return the solution to its respective reservoir.

As shown in FIG. 3, film 51 is contained on a reel 60 and introduced into compartment 52 and into track 61. Film 51 can be moved by a set of rolls 62 or by a roll and a sprocket, depending on whether the film is unperforated or perforated, at least one of which is driven by a motor 63, thereby drawing the film from reel 60 and moving it into compartment 52. The

track 61 is continuous in each compartment and forms apartments. Also, with such an arrangement, the film is selfthreading on movement of the leading end into compartment 52. At the other end, that is with respect to compartment 54, the film 51 is directed out of the compartment and is taken up on reel 64 which is shown schematically as being driven by a motor 65. Ifnecessary, a set of rolls 66 can be provided, one of which is driven by a motor 67, or by suitable connecting means so the sets of rolls 62 and 66 are driven in synchronism.

In this embodiment of the invention, each solution is introduced or metered into its respective compartment on a continuous basis because the film is being moved therethrough and it can be subjected to only one solution in any one compartment. With respect to development of a photographic film, a supply 70 of development solution is com nected by pump 71 to the applicator in compartment 52. Likewise, a supply 72 of water is connected by pump 73 to compartment 53. Inasmuch as the process is continuous, the respective compartments can drain without any need for control other than possibly a valve 75 for maintaining a desired level of solution for each applicator.

It has been found that processing temperatures used in conjunction with various processing solutions used in the above described device can vary from ambient temperatures from about to about 93 C. The movement of the solution in spray form across the surface of the film is vigorous but is such that there is a minumum of surface defects created, such as scratches or abrasions. On the other hand, processors which provide a high degree of agitation'by means of wipers, rotating drums or material moving across the surface of the film give a high rate of surface defects which are much more pronounced than those that have been noted with the present invention.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

We claim:

l. A device for uniformly applying a fluid to a surface of a material, comprising:

a generally cylindrical casing;

means arranged within saidcasing for receiving a quantity means rotatably mounted within said casing for applying said fluid comprising a disc and a hollow, generally tapered section extending from said disc and having the end .thereof immersed in said fluid deposited in said receiving means and holes at the junction of said disc and said section;

means mounted on said casing for supporting said material in a spaced, arcuate and perpendicular relationship to said disc with an edge of said surface generally coplanar with a surface of said disc;

means operatively coupled to said rotatably mounted means for rotating the same at a speed such that a vortex will be generated in the space generally formed by said surface and said rotatably mounted means and such that said fluid will move from said receiving means to said disc for release from the edge of said disc and impingement against a portion of said surface, said fluid being dispersed by said surface and redirected into said vortex for further dispersion and generally uniform distribution over said entire surface; and means positioned in said fluid deposited in said receiving means and surrounding at least a portion of said section for preventing cavitation of said fluid upon rotation of said applying means.

2. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiving means includes means for metering a predetermined amount of said liquid into said receiving means and means for draining said fluid from said receiving means upon completion of a processing cycle.

3. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said rotatably mounted means is rotated at a speed to generate an escape velocity of said liquid from the edge of said disc from about 7,000 to about 15,000 FPM.

4. A device for uniformly applying a processing solution to the surface of a photographic film bearing a latent image, comprising:

a generally cylindrical casing;

means arranged within said casing for receiving a metered quantity of said solution;

means rotatably mounted within said solution comprising a disc and a generally tapered, tubular section extending from said disc and having the end thereof immersed in the solution deposited in said receiving means and apertures at the junction of said disc and said section;

means mounted within said casing for supporting said film with said surface in a spaced, arcuate and perpendicular relationship to said disc and with an edge of said surface generally coplanar with a surface of said disc;

means operatively coupled to said applying means for rotating the same at a speed such that a vortex will be generated in the space generally formed by said surface and said applying means and such that said solution will move from said receiving means, along said section to said disc, through said apertures and along said disc to the edge thereof for impingement against a portion of said surface, said solution being dispersed by said surface and redirected into said vortex for further dispersion and generally uniform distribution over said entire surface; and

a cylindrical member surrounding and coextensive with at least a portion of said section and having an end thereof immersed in said solution deposited in said receiving means for preventing cavitation of said solution upon rotation of said applying means.

5. A device in accordance with claim 4 wherein said receiving means includes a metering pump for controlling the amount of said solution deposited in said receiving means.

6. A device in accordance with claim 5 wherein said metering pump controls the deposition in said receiving means of more than one processing solution in a predetermined sequence.

7. A device in accordance with claim 4 wherein said rotatably mounted means generated a speed such that the escape velocity of said solution from the edge of said disc is from about 7,000 to about 15,000 FPM.

8. A device for uniformly applying a number of different processing solutions successively to a surface of a continuously moving web of material, comprising:

a generally vertical cylindrical casing having a plurality of partitions for forming discrete, vertically arranged cylindrical compartments;

means arranged within each of said compartments for receiving a quantity of a respective one of said different processing solutions;

means for applying a respective one of said solutions to said surface within each of said compartments comprising a disc and a generally tapered tubular section extending from said disc and having the end of said section immersed in the solution deposited in its respective receiving means and apertures at the junction of said disc and said section;

means mounted within said casing for supporting said material for movement through each of said compartments in a generally helical path with said surface generally parallel to the axis of rotation of said applying means;

means for moving said web of material at a generally uniform rate through said helical path; and v means for interconnecting and rotating said applying means in each of said compartments at a speed such that a vorsaid casing for applying tex will be generated in each compartment in the space generally formed by said surface and said applying means and such that said solution in each compartment will move from said receiving means along said section to said disc, through said apertures and along said disc to the edge thereof for impingement against that portion of said surface generally opposite thereto, said solution being dispersed by said portion of said surface and redirected into said vortex for further dispersion and generally uniform distribution over at least the entire surface of the convolution of said moving web of material generally opposite the disc in each respective compartment.

- 9. A device in accordance with claim 8 including a compartment, through which said web of material is last moved, for drying said surface.

10. A device in accordance with claim 9 wherein said compartment includes a fan interconnected with said rotating means and rotatable with said applying means.

11. A device in accordance with claim 8 including means for supplying to each respective receiving means a continuously metered quantity of one of said solutions.

12. A device in accordance with claim 8 including a cylindrical member in each compartment surrounding and coextensive with at least a portion of said section and having an end thereof immersed in said solution deposited in said receiving means for preventing cavitation of said solutions upon rotation of said applying means. 

1. A device for uniformly applying a fluid to a surface of a material, comprising: a generally cylindrical casing; means arranged within said casing for receiving a quantity of said fluid; means rotatably mounted within said casing for applying said fluid comprising a disc and a hollow, generally tapered section extending from said disc and having the end thereof immersed in said fluid deposited in said receiving means and holes at the junction of said disc and said section; means mounted on said casing for supporting said material in a spaced, arcuate and perpendicular relationship to said disc with an edge of said surface generally coplanar with a surface of said disc; means operatively coupled to said rotatably mounted means for rotating the same at a speed such that a vortex will be generated in the space generally formed by said surface and said rotatably mounted means and such that said fluid will move from said receiving means to said disc for release from the edge of said disc and impingement against a portion of said surface, said fluid being dispersed by said surface and redirected into said vortex for further dispersion and generally uniform distribution over said entire surface; and means positioned in said fluid deposited in said receiving means and surrounding at least a portion of said section for preventing cavitation of said fluid upon rotation of said applying means.
 2. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said receiving means includes means for metering a predetermined amount of said liquid into said receiving means and means for draining said fluid from said receiving means upon completion of a processing cycle.
 3. A device in accordance with claim 1 wherein said rotatably mounted means is rotated at a speed to generate an escape velocity of said liquid from the edge of said disc from about 7, 000 to about 15,000 FPM.
 4. A device for uniformly applying a processing solution to the surface of a photographic film bearing a latent image, comprising: a generally cylindrical casing; means arranged within said casing for receiving a metered quantity of said solution; means rotatably mounted within said casing for applying said solution comprising a disc and a generally tapered, tubular section extending from said disc and having the end thereof immersed in the solution deposited in said receiving means and apertures at the junction of said disc and said section; means mounted within said casing for supporting said film with said surface in a spaced, arcuate and perpendicular relationship to said disc and with an edge of said surface generally coplanar with a surface of said disc; means operatively coupled to said applying means for rotating the same at a speed such that a vortex will be generated in the space generally formed by said surface and said applying means and such that said solution will move from said receiving means, along said section to said disc, through said apertures and along said disc to the edge thereof for impingement against a portion of said surface, said solution being dispersed by said surface and redirected into said vortex for further dispersion and generally uniform distribution over said entire surface; and a cylindrical member surrounding and coextensive with at least a portion of said section and having an end thereof immersed in said solution deposited in said receiving means for preventing cavitation of said solution upon rotation of said applying means.
 5. A device in accordance with claim 4 wherein said receiving means includes a metering pump for controlling the amount of said solution deposited in said receiving means.
 6. A device in accordance with claim 5 wherein said metering pump controls the deposition in said receiving means of more than one processing solution in a predetermined sequence.
 7. A device in accordance with claim 4 wherein said rotatably mounted means generated a sPeed such that the escape velocity of said solution from the edge of said disc is from about 7,000 to about 15,000 FPM.
 8. A device for uniformly applying a number of different processing solutions successively to a surface of a continuously moving web of material, comprising: a generally vertical cylindrical casing having a plurality of partitions for forming discrete, vertically arranged cylindrical compartments; means arranged within each of said compartments for receiving a quantity of a respective one of said different processing solutions; means for applying a respective one of said solutions to said surface within each of said compartments comprising a disc and a generally tapered tubular section extending from said disc and having the end of said section immersed in the solution deposited in its respective receiving means and apertures at the junction of said disc and said section; means mounted within said casing for supporting said material for movement through each of said compartments in a generally helical path with said surface generally parallel to the axis of rotation of said applying means; means for moving said web of material at a generally uniform rate through said helical path; and means for interconnecting and rotating said applying means in each of said compartments at a speed such that a vortex will be generated in each compartment in the space generally formed by said surface and said applying means and such that said solution in each compartment will move from said receiving means along said section to said disc, through said apertures and along said disc to the edge thereof for impingement against that portion of said surface generally opposite thereto, said solution being dispersed by said portion of said surface and redirected into said vortex for further dispersion and generally uniform distribution over at least the entire surface of the convolution of said moving web of material generally opposite the disc in each respective compartment.
 9. A device in accordance with claim 8 including a compartment, through which said web of material is last moved, for drying said surface.
 10. A device in accordance with claim 9 wherein said compartment includes a fan interconnected with said rotating means and rotatable with said applying means.
 11. A device in accordance with claim 8 including means for supplying to each respective receiving means a continuously metered quantity of one of said solutions.
 12. A device in accordance with claim 8 including a cylindrical member in each compartment surrounding and coextensive with at least a portion of said section and having an end thereof immersed in said solution deposited in said receiving means for preventing cavitation of said solutions upon rotation of said applying means. 